Government orders crackdown on counterfeit and poor-quality medicines in Kenya
To address staffing gaps, Duale announced plans to hire 45 additional officers under the World Bank-supported Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Project.
The government has called for the immediate removal of poor-quality and falsified medicines from Kenyan markets amid a rise in the circulation of counterfeit drugs.
Speaking on Tuesday during his maiden official visit to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale directed the Board to clamp down on illegal distribution, enforce bioequivalence rules and safeguard public health across the country.
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He noted that individuals, directors or entities involved in the distribution or sale of substandard, falsified, poor-quality, counterfeit and unregistered medicines should be prosecuted without exception.
"Any individuals, premises, establishments, or entities involved in the distribution or sale of these illegal products must be arrested and prosecuted. Action must be taken not only against those in charge of the premises but also against their directors," Duale said.
"You must fully comply with the law and take decisive regulatory action against any individual or entity that endangers the health and safety of Kenyans.”
He emphasised strict compliance with the Pharmacy and Poisons (Parallel Imported Medicinal Substances) Rules of 2019, ordered an end to the illegal leasing of professional licences, and directed full implementation of bioequivalence requirements to ensure generics perform like innovator products.
The CS warned that any compromise or neglect by inspectors will attract administrative, disciplinary or legal action.
Recognising the Board’s efforts towards achieving World Health Organisation (WHO) Maturity Level 3, Duale said the milestone is critical for strengthening regulatory oversight, boosting investor confidence, opening markets and supporting Kenya’s local pharmaceutical manufacturing ambitions.
To address staffing gaps, he announced plans to hire 45 additional officers under the World Bank-supported Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Project, with further recruitment under discussion with the National Treasury.
Duale emphasised that the PPB plays a central role in safeguarding public health, supporting local industry growth and ensuring the well-being of all Kenyans, urging staff to enforce the law firmly, fairly and without fear or favour.
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